For more than fifty years, Fabrizio Cardinali, aged 72, has lived entirely without the public electricity network, or grid.
Cardinali lives in a stone house near Ancona, on Italy’s eastern Adriatic coast. By choice, he has no electricity, no gas, and no indoor plumbing.
In the past, he lived alone. Right now, he has two people who live with him, as well as animals such as a rooster, chickens and a cat. He calls the small community “The Tribe of the Harmonious Walnuts“.
Cardinali and his friends, who gave their names only as Agnese and Andrea, use a wood-burning stove for cooking and warmth. They read by lamps fueled with used cooking oil that is given to them by neighbours.
“I feel providential to have the freedom to choose my freedom,” said Agnese, 35, who moved in two years ago. Andrea, 46, spends the week there but goes home to Macerata, about 50 kilometres away, each weekend to look after his mother.
The “harmonious walnuts” grow fruit and vegetables, olives to produce olive oil, and keep bees for honey. A local group sells them foods such as legumes, cereals and wheat, which they grind to make their own bread.
When possible, they trade goods for things they need.
Cardinali believes life is best lived in small communities. His first piece of advice for anyone who wants to follow his example is, “Throw away your so-called smart phone.”
Cardinali sometimes travels short distances to visit friends. He takes olives to a stone press to make oil, and walks or gets rides to the nearest town to have a coffee with local people or visit the doctor.
“I’ve been living this way for about 51 years and I have never regretted it,” he said.
Cardinali added, “There have been difficulties, but they never made me think that I made the wrong choice.”
23. Why does Cardinali live without using electricity?
A.Because of his own decision. |
B.Because of the location of his house. |
C.Because of the poor condition of his building. |
D.Because of the high price of electricity. |
24. What does the underlined word “providential” mean in Paragraph 5?
A.Awkward. |
B.Confused. |
C.Astonished. |
D.Lucky. |
25. Which of the following accords with Cardinali’s life rule?
A.Cut off communication with the outside world. |
B.Be sure to keep a distance from your friends. |
C.Life is best lived in small groups. |
D.Do not give up the use of mobile phones. |
26. Which word can best describe Cardinali?
A.Humorous. |
B.Impractical. |
C.Lonely. |
D.Determined. |